My car is a 1999 Mazda 626 LX-V6 with the 5 SPD MANUAL transmission.

My car clutch exhibited obvious symptoms while driving today...

While in first gear, and with the clutch pedal fully down (this is a
hydraulic clutch), I can lift off the brake on level ground and the car
will gradually start to pull away from a standstill. Definite dragging
going on... as opposed to slippage. Lifting only about 1/4" off the
carpeted floor causes nearly FULL engagement of the clutch. Also, if I
try to put it into reverse, the gears touch and grind rather than
engaging silently. I can shut off the engine, put it into 1st gear, and
start up again with the clutch down and get on my way but this needs
fixing. It also seems to be intermittent. For days at a time, I can
drive the car with no symptoms at all.

Sounds like clutch master cylinder leaking or bypassing pressure, slave
cylinder leaking, clutch flex hose leaking, pedal bushings worn or
missing?

Hopefully not INTERNAL problems. Any ideas?